3 Best Foundation Companies in Austin, MN

On average, Austin homeowners spend about $3,002 on foundation repair. The total cost of foundation repair is based on a number of factors. Things like the extent of the damage, the size of your home, and the type of repair needed will all play a part. The best way to find out how much a job is going to cost is to talk to a local foundation repair company and schedule a free inspection and estimate.

Types of foundation repair include leak repair, crack repair, stabilization, underpinning, and waterproofing.

For both leak repair and crack repair, a technician will come to your home, complete an inspection, and use various repair techniques to remedy leaks or cracks. The amount you spend will vary greatly depending on the size and root cause of the problem.

Stabilization helps to fix bowing walls by inserting carbon fiber or steel strips. The cost will depend on the material chosen and how many strips are required. The cost of underpinning also varies. This process, sometimes referred to as leveling or piering, involves leveling your foundation by underpinning it with concrete piers; the cost will depend on how many piers are used.

If you're looking to waterproof your foundation or basement, we recommend finding a waterproofing specialist. This process can include outdoor waterproofing, indoor waterproofing, or both.

When building a new home, have a soil report completed. A soil report will contain information about how well the soil on a given piece of land can support a foundation, and can provide you with a heads-up about potential future issues. If your concerns are about an existing house, a few hundred dollars will cover an inspection and report by a structural engineer. They can alert you to any current problems that could use some attention, and give you advice on avoiding future problems.

You also want to make sure that the moisture around your foundation is at an appropriate level. Don't let the soil around your Austin home get too dry or too wet; at different times, you might find yourself having to reroute your gutters or water your foundation. Also, be on the lookout for leaky gutters or pipes and repair them promptly.

A permit is normally required for foundation repair, but applying for one won't be your responsibility. Your foundation repair provider should get all the permits and other documents required in Austin, and should be able to explain the process and/or provide the documents before starting work.

Sometimes, foundation repairs can be considered capital improvements if they meet the criteria of an improvement that adds to your house's overall value, prolongs its life, or adapts it to new uses. Making capital improvements sometimes lets you qualify for tax breaks. (Talk to your Minnesota tax professional for more information.) Even if you don't qualify for tax breaks, foundation repairs will, in most cases, positively affect your home's value.

We highly recommend talking with your home insurance provider before you begin any foundation project to figure out what might be covered. In general, foundation repairs aren't covered by your home insurance unless they're to repair damage that was caused by a covered weather event.